Sobriety and Happiness

August 14, 2010
By

Someone walked by me this morning, I said ‘Hello’ she said ‘Hello’ then she said ‘ You are always so happy’, and I said, ‘well I feel pretty good, yes’. 

Wow, what a reminder, what a ‘stop me in my tracks’ thought, what an eye opener. The person she saw today is happy. Despite some very pressing issues in my life, I am very happy. I almost worry about saying that because I don’t want my bubble to burst but the truth of the matter is that I am far happier than I have ever been. I still have down days and I still have issues to overcome, I still get frustrated and I still think about my past and wonder why. It is moments like this one, where I am reminded of how far I have come that I never want to forget. Sobriety has been the most difficult problem I have ever overcome, I say overcome but I don’t think you ever completely overcome it, after all I am just one drink away from being a drunk all over again so I never let myself forget that. But really, sobriety has been an amazing journey that has had many ups and many downs. But on the whole, I am a happier person for it. My relationships with the people I am close to have changed for the better and that has had a profound effect in my life. My outlook on life has changed too, it has grown. My circle of friends has increased and my relationship with God has been affirmed.

 I don’t look at my feet when I walk now, I don’t feel guilty anymore, I don’t feel scared, afraid and fearful anymore. Sobriety has given me my life back and it feels good. What a compliment it was to hear someone say to me ‘You are always so happy’.

 I should add that I did not do this alone. I didn’t go to A.A but I do have a very supportive husband and family. I think it would have been far more difficult to do this without them. On this note I would like to say that if you are surrounded with unsupportive family, spouse, friends etc, it will be extremely difficult for you to truly embrace sobriety. Sometimes it takes a big move or separation from the people who do not bring out your best side. Still, if you can’t get away from people, it doesn’t mean you can’t do this. Faith and prayer will get you to where you want to be.

Be bold and live your life, I truly believe that life is so short for all there is to experience. Spending time drinking away your problems and issues won’t get you to where you need to be.

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4 Responses to Sobriety and Happiness

  1. Paul Garrigan on August 15, 2010 at 5:23 am

    Well said Madison. I remember during my drunken years I would often play air guitar prentending that I was Kurt Cobain or some other rock star – I would be falling around the place drunk while doing this. Many nights I would lie awake in bed and imagine that I had the ability to travel back in time and change my life.

    These days I don’t want to travel back in time, and I have no interest in being anybody else. My life is perfect the way it is and I wouldn’t change a thing in my past.

  2. Madison on August 15, 2010 at 5:31 pm

    Good to hear that you wouldn’t change your life as it is now. One of the problems many people encounter when they are still drinking, is that they can not believe that life would be worth living sober, sobriety is an alien concept. I am still amazed at how much I enjoy sobriety, I just had no idea it could be as good as it gets at times. Thanks for stopping by!

  3. Jacqueline Johns - Your Happy Life Mentor on August 15, 2010 at 7:07 pm

    Yay Madison!

    You go girl!

    What a great post, affirming that life doesn’t have to be perfect in order for us to be happy, and also demonstrating that reaching inside and finding your courage will lead you to happiness.

    Yes, sometimes it’s easier just to stick our heads in the sand and paint on a smile. But that authentic happiness that cannot be hidden, that comes from facing and eradicating our fears, is worth the struggle.

    You a great example, keep up the good work.

    Live Life Happy!

  4. Madison on August 17, 2010 at 8:54 pm

    Thanks Jacqueline.
    Life certainly does not have to be perfect. In fact, the times when I really learn something about myself are when I feel awful, thankfully I do not feel awful too often, and I make a point of writing down what I go through to help me learn the lesson.
    Can you share more about what you do?
    Thanks,
    Madison

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